The intersection of Metz Lane and East Animas Road (County Road 250) opened on Tuesday after temporary pavement markings and stop signs were placed at the intersection on Monday, according to the city of Durango.
Construction will resume Monday next week and “will involve minor traffic control for a shoulder closure,” the city said in a news release.
The construction project launched in the spring of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2026. City spokesman Tom Sluis said earlier this month crews grappled with extensive underground utilities to adjust a storm drain alignment to bypass sewer service connected to a nearby property.
But the project is nearly completed with all underground work finished, he said. Crews have recently been paving the road with a new layer of asphalt. A final surface layer will be applied in the spring.
One hurdle remains in the form of an electrical pole at the Metz Lane and East Animas Road intersection. The city is working with La Plata Electric Association to get a utility easement to relocate the pole.
The city said stop signs for Florida Road traffic at the intersection of Holly Avenue several blocks south of the construction area will remain in place and the speed limit has been reduced to 25 mph.
The Durango Herald observed on Wednesday the speed limit remains at 25 mph, but the stop signs for Florida Road have been removed – at least temporarily – and drivers who have become accustomed stopping continue to stop at the intersection before realizing they have the right of way.
cburney@durangoherald.com
